Fact Sheet

Description: Beyond Bullies is the first online organization in the United States dedicated to assisting teenagers who are victims of bullying or cyber-bullying.

Mission Statement: Beyond Bullies is dedicated to helping teens who have become the target of bullying or cyber bullying, by providing prevention programs and leadership roles, allowing teens to become aware, caring and active role models.

E-teen leader: Beyond Bullies provides a medium for bullied teens to have access to, and support from, an E-teen leader. An E-teen leader is an online peer mentor at Beyond Bullies who has specifically been trained in bullying awareness, sensitivity, and prevention. They help bullied teens manage their concerns, direct them to helpful resources, and most importantly, provide an open space to communicate. E-teen leaders are available to victims of bullying through email and online discussion boards; additionally, E-teen leaders are available to chat privately with bullied teens for several hours every Wednesday night.

Active Bystanders: This intervention program instructs teens on how to become active"rather than passive"bystanders of bullying and cyber bullying, whether they witness the bullying in person or online. Beyond Bullies distributes simple tips and techniques to middle and high school students, teachers, administrators and other school staff about how to assertively respond when they witness a peer being bullied. Students get involved in the program by signing a pledge and by wearing Beyond Bullies wrist-bands in an effort to become active bystanders.

Bullying Facts: The national Center for Educational Statistics, in 2009, said nearly 1 in 3 students between the ages of 12 and 18 reported being bullied in school. The NCES claims, 160,000 children miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students. Bullying is most likely to occur where there is no adult supervision, inadequate adult supervision, lack of structure, few or no anti-bullying rules. (Beane, 2008)